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I am struggling to know how best to help my son. He is 14, and amazing, there are no issues of him going off the rails etc. he attends a catholic school and is an altar server at church. He is very uneasy however about getting confirmed: he says he is not actually sure what he believes, even whether or not he believes in God, and doesn't feel ready to commit. I've spoken with him, told him its normal to have doubt, that we all have that at some time. I suppose it has come as a surprise to me that he felt that way, he has never objected to coming to church, or serving, and it just shows the importance really of having conversations about faith and not just assuming its all fine. I'm hoping the confirmation preparation programme will help, and I've persuaded him for now to go along with it, but I don't feel entirely comfortable with it.
Has anyone else had similar issues?

Posted on May 6th, 2013 at 6:08 AM by unknown

Hi Unknown! I'm not a parent, but I am a young adult speaker and I speak to many parents at conferences about raising their children in the way of God. I recommend you go along with him on this journey, often confirmation classes are severely uninformative- you have to be in charge of his catechesis (along with the Church, not instead of the Church) Tell him that it is totally normal (as you already have) and tell him that you are committed to showing him why you chose Catholicism when you were going on your own journey. Tell him what made you choose the Church. Do not be afraid to tell your son of your own struggles, there is certainly a point in your life when you were at a crossroads in your faith, and realized that this path is the right one. Give him some books by Scott Hahn, have him listen to a few apologetic cds from Lighthouse, and (I swear I'm not trying to sell myself here), but I really do think my parents cd will help you a ton. Go to cphmin.com, click on the "CPH the Book" link and scroll to the bottom. Its only 3 bucks plus shipping, and I talk alot about Catholic apologetics, how we can prove Jesus is God, and how to raise your children to uphold the standards of the Church. Hope this helps! You sound like a great Mom :)

Posted on May 6th, 2013 at 10:42 AM by Janelle Sanchez

Pray together with him everyday for the Holy Spirit's guidance and inspiration. "Let Go and Let GOD!"

Posted on May 6th, 2013 at 10:46 AM by Mary

first unknown poster,
I am sorry & will pray for both you & your son. Janelle gives some great suggestions. We have listened to some fantastic Lighthouse CDs! Fr. Baron's Catholicism series is also very good. Praying that the Holy Spirit, Who is everywhere present & fills all things, touches your son's heart & that he comes to understand that our process of theosis -- that is, growing in the divine image of God -- is a life-long endeavor.
I find that this group of late 20s & early 40somethings are honest, inspiring, spirit-filled women who aren't afraid to share their struggles as well as their inspirations...for that I am grateful!

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